Boko Haram factions intensify rivalry in Borno

The rivalry between the faction groups of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), commonly known as Boko Haram has intensified in Borno State.

According to a video posted on X by security analyst and counter insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, the jihadist factions of the Boko Haram have come up with a motto titled: “Kill them wherever you locate them”.

“A battle between the monotheists and the infidels within the Islamic Caliphate,” the footage showcases a violent clash between JAS fighters and members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) that occurred from December 23 to 24, 2024,” Makama wrote on Saturday morning.

The confrontations took place in multiple locations, including Toumbun Gini, Toumbun Sale, Mangari, and Metele, within the Abadam Local Government Area (LGA), with Makama having reported several of these clashes.

The video depicted JAS fighters launching an assault on ISWAP camps after emerging from riverine areas aboard various watercraft.

While the footage has been edited to focus on the casualties suffered by ISWAP, it also shows some of the weapons seized by JAS fighters during the engagement.

According to Makama, JAS has successfully extended its influence over the northern and central regions of the Lake Chad Basin Region (LCRBA), including the riverine areas of Diffa, Abadam, Kukawa, and Monguno LGAs in Borno State.

He added that JAS has also successfully extended its influence over the northern and central regions of the Lake Chad Basin Region (LCRBA), including the riverine areas of Diffa, Abadam, Kukawa, and Monguno LGAs in Borno State.

“However, the rivalry with ISWAP continues to escalate as the latter also expands its presence in central mainland areas, with headquarters reportedly shifting to southern LCRBA, particularly in Marte and Ngala, to collect taxes from local populations,” Makama said.

In response to these developments, he said JAS has retreated deeper into the river basin, where it has begun imposing taxes and asserting control over riverine islands.

“This evolving dynamic poses a significant threat to extremist campaigns in the LCRBA, potentially impacting recruitment efforts and the smuggling of weapons and goods,” Makama said.

The security analyst added that there is the urgent need for maritime operations to dominate these waterways.

According to him, security concerns mount regarding the effectiveness of collaboration among Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) members, particularly Nigeria, Niger, and Chad, in addressing these shared challenges.